“Nearly 400 people have attended our first two prayer breakfasts and we’re encouraged by the overwhelming success,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said in the press release announcing the program. “It is a wonderful event that brings together residents from a variety of backgrounds to pray for Orange County and its leaders. We’re honored to have Leslie Haskin back this year as our featured speaker. She has an amazing story of strength and resilience to share and I’m sure the audience will be inspired by it.”

Tower One, 36th floorHaskin was in her office on the 36th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. Afterward, Haskin suffered PTSD and she and her son became homeless.

After renewing her faith, Haskin went on to write multiple books, including "Between Heaven and Ground Zero: One Woman's Struggle for Survival and Faith in the Ashes of 911."

Haskin is a New York Times best selling author, an International Keynote Speaker, a highly sought after strategic business consultant for organizations such as the United Way, Dun & Bradstreet and Save the Children and currently serves as executive director of Life Stations Centers of Excellence, a non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life for black men and their families.

“As a September 11th survivor," Haskin said, "I’m humbled by the invitation and honored to share my story of what it was like from the inside of Tower One, the horrors and the miracles, the fear and the faith; but most importantly, God’s amazing grace.”

Essential informationSponsors of the event will receive five seats at the breakfast for a tax deductible donation of $300. The Orange County Leadership Prayer Breakfast committee will use the remaining seats at the table to invite elected and appointed Orange County municipal officials, community and business leaders, and the public. All sponsors will be publicized at the door and at the tables.